Prof. Elisabeth Engel López leads the Biomaterials for Regenerative Therapies group at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) and serves as a Professor at the Technical University of Catalonia. With over 80 publications in JCR journals, her work focuses on designing biomaterials and scaffolds for in vitro/in vivo regenerative medicine, emphasizing cellular response mechanisms and translational applications. Developing lactate-releasing systems for metabolic modulation Advancing 3D bioprinting for tissue-specific models Engineering angiogenic and osteogenic biomaterials Her research bridges fundamental studies with industrial partnerships, including pharmaceutical and biomedical device companies, and contributes to European collaborative projects. She received the Barcelona City Award for technological research and has delivered numerous invited lectures. Her group explores substrate stiffness, ion release, and microenvironmental cues to control cell behavior in cardiac, neural, and bone regeneration contexts.
Robert H. Tykot is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of South Florida, where he has served since 1996, achieving full Professor status in 2006. He previously held positions as Associate Professor (2001-2006) and Assistant Professor (1996-2001), and served as Undergraduate Director (2012-14) and Acting Chair (summers 2002, 2003). His academic leadership extends to professional societies where he has served as President of the Archaeological Institute of America (Tampa Bay Society), International Association for Obsidian Studies, and Society for Archaeological Sciences. Dr. Tykot earned his Ph.D. and M.A. in Anthropology from Harvard University (1995, 1993), an M.A. in Classical Archaeology from Tufts University (1984), and a B.S. in Archaeology (with special honors) and Chemistry ( cum laude ) from Tufts University (1983). His educational background uniquely bridges scientific methodology with archaeological practice. His research focuses on archaeological science methodology, particularly stable isotope analysis and elemental archaeology applied to Mediterranean prehistory, ancient diets worldwide, obsidian and marble sourcing, and Sardinian/Sicilian archaeology. Dr. Tykot has pioneered techniques for analyzing bone chemistry to reconstruct ancient diets and mobility patterns, with significant fieldwork conducted across the Mediterranean, particularly in Sardinia, Sicily, and Algeria. His work integrates laboratory science with archaeological fieldwork to address fundamental questions about ancient trade networks, subsistence strategies, and cultural interactions. Dr. Tykot has received numerous scientific honors including multiple USF Outstanding Research Achievement Awards (2018, 2020), the USF Outstanding Faculty Award (2013), and recognition as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. His editorial leadership includes serving as Editor-in-Chief of Science and Technology of Archaeological Research (STAR) and editorial roles with Archaeometry and Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports . As an advisor, Dr. Tykot has chaired numerous doctoral and master's committees across diverse research topics in archaeological science. His grant portfolio demonstrates exceptional funding success with over 100 external awards totaling millions of dollars from NSF, NEH, Wenner-Gren Foundation, and other major funders. He directs the Lab for Archaeological Science & Technology at USF and has established significant research partnerships with institutions worldwide, particularly in Italy, Argentina, and Kuwait.
Dr. Kibret Mequanint is a full Professor at Western University's Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, with cross-appointments in Biomedical Engineering. Holding a PhD from University of Stellenbosch and postdoctoral experience at Technical University of Darmstadt and McMaster University, his research bridges polymer science, materials engineering, and life sciences with applications in Biomaterials , Tissue Engineering , and Regenerative Medicine . His work spans both fundamental and translational research in cell-material interactions , polymer biomaterial design , and therapeutic radiation dosimeters , with technologies transferred to commercial applications. Leading scholar and educator with awards from NSERC, CIHR, and Western University Fellow of: American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, International Union of Societies for Biomaterials Science and Engineering, Canadian Academy of Engineering Extensive editorial and panel service for NSERC, CIHR, and international journals His research program has produced over 170 refereed publications, focusing on conductive hydrogels , bioadhesives , and vascular tissue engineering . Recent work on endoscopy-deliverable bioadhesives and snake venom-derived hemostatic gels has attracted global media attention. He has served in leadership roles at the Canadian Biomaterials Society and university governance bodies including Senate and Board of Governors.
Olof Stephansson is a senior researcher and group leader at the Clinical Epidemiology Unit (KEP) , Karolinska Institutet , focusing on reproductive, perinatal, and pediatric epidemiology. His work utilizes Swedish healthcare registries and quality registers to investigate risk factors, interventions, and medical management during pregnancy and childbirth. Key research areas: maternal obesity, preeclampsia prediction, climate change impacts, neonatal neurodevelopment, IBD in pregnancy, and labor management Funded by: Swedish Research Council, NIH, FORTE, NordForsk, and Karolinska Institute Collaborates with: Stanford, Oregon Health, University of British Columbia, London School of Hygiene, University of Witwatersrand His group (2014-present) manages the Swedish Pregnancy Registry and conducts randomized trials like the Oneplus study on midwifery models. Recent publications (2024-2025) analyze maternal BMI effects on offspring sleep, labor duration risks, and vaccine safety in pregnancy.
Stuart Long is an associate dean of undergraduate research and faculty member at the Honors College of the University of Houston, where he serves as the academic adviser for all honors students majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He teaches courses on electromagnetic waves and conducts research in antenna design and applied electromagnetics. Education: Received his doctorate from Harvard University. Stuart Long's research focuses on biomedical applications of electromagnetics, particularly MRI safety testing for implantable medical devices. His work addresses RF-induced heating, electromagnetic compatibility, and safety protocols for devices such as orthopaedic implants and active implantable systems. Recent publications emphasize computational modeling, machine learning, and historical advancements in antenna design. His scholarly contributions include the 2024 Distinguished Achievement Award, the 2018 Chen-To Tai Distinguished Educator Award, and the 2014 John Kraus Antenna Award. These honors reflect his leadership in electromagnetic safety research and engineering education. Stuart Long has actively contributed to improving pedagogy in engineering education, particularly through collaborative learning and retention workshops for diverse student populations. His academic advising role supports the integration of rigorous technical training and interdisciplinary research opportunities for honors students.
Guillermo A. Ameer serves as the Daniel Hale Williams Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering and Professor of Surgery in the Feinberg School of Medicine. He directs the Center for Advanced Regenerative Engineering (CARE) and maintains affiliations with the Simpson-Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, and the IBiS Graduate Program. His leadership extends to founding the Regenerative Engineering Laboratory, which pioneered citrate-based antioxidant biomaterials known as polydiolcitrates. Americas' leading innovator in regenerative engineering, Ameer's research spans vascular, orthopaedic, and bladder tissue engineering. His lab developed Nanonets™ thermoresponsive oligomers and photoresponsive liquid polymers for applications including wound healing, islet transplantation, and 3D-printed vascular scaffolds. Notable breakthroughs include bioresorbable stents, bladder regeneration scaffolds, and diabetic wound healing technologies that have received FDA clearance and commercial implementation through companies like Acuitive Technologies and VesselTek BioMedical. His publication record demonstrates consistent innovation in biomaterials science, with research trends showing progression from fundamental polymer chemistry to sophisticated clinical applications. Recent work focuses on electroactive bladder scaffolds, 3D-printed vascular devices, and wearable health monitoring systems, reflecting his commitment to translating laboratory discoveries into tangible medical solutions. The 2025 launch of the Regenerative Engineering Institute underscores his growing institutional impact. Percy L. Julian Award (2024) BMES Athanasiou Medal of Excellence in Translational Bioengineering (2023) Election to National Academy of Medicine (2021) National Academy of Inventors Fellow (2019) AAAS Fellow (2018) AIChE Fellow (2017) Ameer has mentored over 30 PhD and Master's students who now lead research at institutions including Penn State, USC, and the FDA. His lab secures substantial NIH funding, including an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Challenge Grant for liquid cast arterial stents. Current projects include the development of citrate-based biomaterials for bladder regeneration, diabetic wound healing, and bioresorbable vascular scaffolds, with multiple technologies transitioning to clinical applications through partnerships with medical device companies. The Regenerative Engineering Laboratory maintains a collaborative interdisciplinary environment with approximately 20 researchers spanning engineering and natural sciences disciplines. Recent initiatives include the development of wearable skin gas sensors (2025) and CITREPORE™ bone void filler (2024), demonstrating the lab's capacity to address diverse clinical challenges through biomaterials innovation.
Freddy Radtke is a Full Professor at the School of Life Sciences at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where he leads the Radtke Lab (UPRAD) within the Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC). He holds multiple affiliations across EPFL, including in the SSV-ENS and EDMS-ENS programs, reflecting his broad engagement in teaching and doctoral education in life sciences. His research is centered on the molecular mechanisms of stem cell maintenance and differentiation, particularly through the Notch signaling pathway. His work spans several self-renewing systems: the hematopoietic system, skin, and gut. Key findings include the identification of Delta-like 4 as the essential Notch1 ligand for T cell commitment, the tumor suppressor role of Notch1 in skin, and its critical function as a gatekeeper of intestinal progenitor cells by repressing CDK inhibitors. These discoveries have significant implications for understanding cancer development and regenerative processes. The recent publications highlight a consistent focus on Notch signaling across diverse biological contexts—hematopoiesis, skin development, intestinal regeneration, and stem cell systems biology. The keywords and subfields reflect deep mechanistic investigations into cell fate decisions, signal transduction, and tissue homeostasis, with strong translational relevance to cancer and inflammatory diseases. Freddy Radtke has mentored numerous Ph.D. students and is actively involved in teaching courses such as Stem Cells and Organoids and Scientific Project Design in Translational Oncology . His lab conducts research supported by external funding, and he collaborates across disciplines to integrate systems biology with stem cell research. The lab includes scientists, doctoral assistants, technicians, and administrative staff, indicating a vibrant and multidisciplinary research team.
Peter Martin Hansen is an active researcher at the Department of Regional Health Research within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Southern Denmark. His primary focus is on the IRS - Prehospital Area, where he conducts critical research in emergency medicine and disaster response systems. He holds an MD and MSc, indicating his strong clinical and research background in medical sciences. Dr. Hansen's research interests are centered around emergency medicine with specific expertise in prehospital care, disaster management, anaestesiology, and resuscitation techniques. His work frequently addresses critical issues in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest management, vascular access methods, triage systems, and ethical decision-making in emergency settings. His fingerprint analysis shows strong contributions to fields including Triage (100%), Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest (51%), Resuscitation (42%), Randomized Clinical Trials (34%), Major Incidents (30%), and Vascular Access (27%). His recent publications in 2025 demonstrate a clear trend toward large-scale clinical studies addressing practical challenges in emergency medical services. These include investigations into prehospital intraosseous access complications, mass casualty incident response protocols, ethical frameworks for prehospital resuscitation, oxygen therapy protocols for trauma patients, and comparative studies of vascular access methods during cardiac arrest. His work often appears in high-impact journals including The New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, and Resuscitation. Dr. Hansen has received recognition for his work, including the Best Presentation 2nd prize at the 37th Conference in Oulu, Finland (June 2024) and the Best Abstract Competition award at the SSAI 32nd Meeting in Turku, Finland (August 2013). Active participant in the Ambulance and Helicopter Response Times in Emergency Medical services (AHRTEMIS) Project (2023-2026) Former visiting researcher at University of California (July-October 2010) Participant in SSAI Master on Advanced Emergency Medicine Course (September 2008) His media engagement demonstrates his commitment to translating research into practical emergency response improvements, with recent contributions to Danish media on topics including concrete silo collapse incidents, radio communication challenges in emergency services, and lessons from the Storebælt train accident.
Grzegorz Niedzwiedzki is a Researcher at Uppsala University's Department of Organismal Biology, specializing in vertebrate palaeontology and early tetrapod evolution. He holds a PhD from the University of Warsaw (2013) and has conducted expeditions across Poland, Russia, Tunisia, Greenland, and Sweden. His research focuses on Triassic-Jurassic vertebrate ecosystems, coprolite analysis, and early dinosaur evolution. Education: PhD in Biology (2013), University of Warsaw Master's in Biology (2007), University of Warsaw Bachelor's in Biology (2004), University of Warsaw Research Interests: Grzegorz's work analyzes fossilized footprints, coprolites, and skeletal remains to reconstruct ancient ecosystems. He has pioneered studies on Early Triassic predator ecosystems via coprolites and contributed to understanding dinosaur dietary habits through coprolite microbiota analysis. His fieldwork has uncovered critical fossils like the archosaur Smok wawelski and Early Jurassic dinosaur tracks. Key Achievements: Recipient of multiple prestigious awards (National Geographic grants, Prime Minister's Special Award) Over 100 peer-reviewed publications in journals like Nature , Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology , and Acta Palaeontologica Polonica Co-discoverer of the oldest known mammaliaform fossil in Greenland Grants & Collaborations: Multiple international expeditions funded by Polish and Swedish institutions Collaborations with the American Museum of Natural History and Uppsala University Labs/Teams: Affiliated with Uppsala University's Evolution and Development research group and collaborates globally on fossil expeditions and synchrotron imaging projects.
Dr. Robert V. O'Toole serves as Professor of Orthopaedics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, holding key leadership roles including Vice-Chair for Research, Chief of Orthopaedics at R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, and Director of Clinical Research. He also leads the Orthopaedic Traumatology Fellowship Program and heads the Division of Orthopaedic Trauma within the Department of Orthopaedics. His educational background includes a BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon and Stanford Universities, followed by an MD from Harvard Medical School. His clinical training encompasses General Surgery internship at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Orthopaedic Residency through Harvard Combined Program, and Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship at University of Maryland's Shock Trauma Center. Dr. O'Toole's research focuses on critical areas of orthopaedic trauma including surgical site infection prevention, pelvic and acetabular fracture management, biomechanics of fracture fixation, and complications like compartment syndrome and nonunion. His work integrates clinical trials, biomechanical studies, and retrospective analyses to address high-impact trauma challenges. His publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to orthopaedic trauma literature, with recent work emphasizing infection prevention strategies, pelvic fracture outcomes, and biomechanical optimization of fracture fixation techniques across high-impact journals like Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma and Injury . Shock Trauma Hero Award, Clinical Service (2014, 2015) Top 10 Orthopaedic Trauma Association Papers (2014, 2015) Orthopedics This Week's 19 Best Orthopedic Traumatologists in North America (2015) Carnegie Mellon Football Man of the Year Award (2015) Elected Faculty Marshall by medical students (2016) As Program Director for the Orthopaedic Traumatology Fellowship, he mentors future trauma specialists while securing over $30 million in research funding. His active grants include Department of Defense projects on infection prevention and blood clot management, supported by a 10-member research team conducting 16 prospective clinical trials. He directs one of the nation's largest orthopaedic trauma research groups at Shock Trauma Center, collaborating with the Major Extremity Trauma Research Consortium (METRC) to advance evidence-based trauma care through integrated clinical research infrastructure.
Gideon Hartman is an Associate Professor in the Anthropology Department at the University of Connecticut, where he conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of paleoenvironmental reconstruction, plant and animal eco-physiology, anthropology, and archaeology. His work primarily employs stable isotope methods to reconstruct past environments, human mobility patterns, paleodiets, and ancient economic systems. Dr. Hartman received his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 2008. His educational foundation in anthropology and archaeological science has enabled his innovative approach to stable isotope analysis. Rather than treating isotopic values as static markers, he investigates the mechanisms causing variability in stable isotope ratios as they move along foodwebs from soil and atmosphere to plants and then to animals and humans. Hartman's research program uniquely begins in the contemporary world to establish principles that can be reliably applied to archaeological settings. His work spans diverse geographical regions including the Eastern Mediterranean, Levant, Jordan Valley, and Armenian Highlands, with temporal coverage from the Middle Pleistocene to the Early Bronze Age. He has made significant contributions to understanding how environmental factors like water availability, temperature, and soil conditions affect isotopic signatures in modern ecosystems, creating robust models for archaeological interpretation. His publication record demonstrates consistent productivity in high-impact journals, with research trends showing increasing sophistication in multi-isotope approaches applied to complex archaeological questions about pastoralism, trade networks, human migration, and human-environment interactions. His work increasingly integrates zooarchaeological, archaeobotanical, and geochemical evidence to build comprehensive pictures of past societies. As director of the Stable Isotope Preparation Lab at UConn, Hartman leads a research team that processes and analyzes samples from archaeological sites worldwide. His laboratory serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration between archaeologists, anthropologists, geoscientists, and biologists seeking to apply isotopic methods to their research questions. His work has been instrumental in refining methodologies for interpreting strontium, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen isotope data in archaeological contexts, particularly regarding animal and human mobility patterns in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
Dr. Salih Veziroglu is a post-doctoral researcher and subgroup leader at the Chair for Multicomponent Materials at Kiel University, under Prof. Franz Faupel. His research focuses on functional metal-oxide micro-/nanostructures, including thin films and particles, for applications in energy, self-cleaning surfaces, and sensing technologies. Notably, he has pioneered photocatalytic methods to create conductive metal patterns on titanium dioxide substrates, mimicking axon growth and enabling advanced biomedical and electronic systems. Veziroglu earned his doctoral degree in Materials Science from Kiel University in 2020, supported by Federal State Funding. His work integrates nanomaterial synthesis, surface functionalization, and interdisciplinary applications. Key areas include 3D porous cerium oxide networks for catalysis, superhydrophobic coatings, and biomedical materials like algae-incorporated polylactide acid patches for tissue engineering. His research highlights include strain-invariant all-organic conductors developed with Prof. Adelung's team, and novel methods for gold deposition on titanium dioxide using light-driven processes. These innovations address challenges in energy storage, environmental remediation, and medical device coatings. Veziroglu’s subgroup actively explores gas-phase synthesis techniques, plasma treatments for biofilm decontamination, and material design for high-performance applications. Publications span topics like additive manufacturing of titanium alloys, photocatalytic nanoparticle synthesis, and biomedical coatings. His work emphasizes practical solutions for sustainability and healthcare, driven by advanced material chemistry.
Amy Wagoner Johnson is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with secondary appointments in Mechanical Science and Engineering. She leads the Applied Biomaterials and Biomechanics Lab (ABBL), conducting interdisciplinary research spanning bone tissue engineering, women's reproductive health, and coral reef restoration. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Materials Science from Brown University (2002) M.S. in Materials Science from Brown University (1998) B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from The Ohio State University (1996) Professor Wagoner Johnson's research focuses on biomaterials and biomechanics, particularly: Developing multiscale bone scaffolds for trauma repair Investigating cervical biomechanics in pregnancy and preterm birth Creating coral settlement substrates for reef restoration Designing hydroxyapatite-based systems for stem cell delivery Her work integrates materials science, mechanical engineering, and clinical medicine to address critical challenges in tissue regeneration. Analysis of her recent publications reveals strong trends in translational biomaterials development, with increasing emphasis on women's health applications and marine ecosystem restoration. Her bone scaffold research has evolved toward multi-material systems with spatially graded architectures, while her reproductive health work increasingly employs advanced imaging techniques like second-harmonic generation microscopy. Her scientific honors include: Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (2021) Grainger College DEI Award (2022) Andersen Faculty Scholar (2020) Dean's Research Excellence Award (2018) As an educator, she has received multiple teaching awards including the Society of Women Engineers Outstanding Engineering Educator Award (2020) and multiple 'Teachers Ranked as Excellent' recognitions. She serves as MechSE Pre-Med Advisor and actively mentors undergraduate researchers, receiving the Campus Award for Guiding Undergraduate Research (2013). Her lab has secured significant funding for projects including NSF's 'Collaborative Research: ECO-CBET' and NIH-supported work on preterm birth mechanisms. The Applied Biomaterials and Biomechanics Lab maintains strong collaborations with veterinary medicine, surgery departments, and international partners including the NanoSciences Foundation in Grenoble, France. Current projects focus on developing tools to track inflammation in human tissue as Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago Investigators.
Prof. Laura Na Liu is a Professor and Director at the 2nd Physics Institute, University of Stuttgart, with a dual affiliation at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research. Her research bridges nanophotonics, DNA nanotechnology, and plasmonics, focusing on dynamic systems for biomedical applications, optical metamaterials, and synthetic biology. Key contributions include DNA-templated plasmonic architectures, reconfigurable metasurfaces, and synthetic cell components using DNA nanotechnology. Academic training includes advanced work in physics and materials science, with a career spanning leading institutions. Research interests emphasize the interplay between nanoscale structures and optical/chemical functionalities. Recent publications highlight innovations in programmable nanomaterials, real-time molecular tracking, and high-performance holography systems. Her work integrates experimental and theoretical approaches, addressing challenges in biophotonics, nanoelectronics, and smart materials. Awards and recognitions are listed in institutional records, while her lab actively collaborates with industry on applied photonics solutions.
Soojung Claire Hur is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University (JHU), with a secondary appointment in the Department of Oncology at the JHU School of Medicine. She is affiliated with the Hopkins Extreme Materials Institute and the Johns Hopkins Institute for NanoBioTechnology. Her research focuses on developing microfluidic platforms to study complex fluid dynamics and translate these insights into clinical applications, particularly in oncology and regenerative medicine. Education: Hur earned her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from UCLA (2005, 2007, 2011). She was a Rowland Fellow at Harvard University (2011–2016) and conducted clinical studies at Vortex Biosciences, Inc. before joining JHU's Whiting School of Engineering faculty in 2015. Research Interests: Her work spans inertial microfluidics, nonlinear fluid dynamics, cellular biophysics, and personalized medicine. She pioneers techniques like vortex-assisted electroporation and inertial focusing for high-throughput cell analysis, separation, and drug delivery. These methods aim to improve cancer diagnosis, immunotherapy, and gene therapy. Awards: Notable honors include the 2024 Johns Hopkins Discovery Awards, the 2023 Susan G. Komen Career Catalyst Award, and the 2018 Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D Scholars Award. Her research is funded by the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Hartwell Foundation, and others. Advising & Grants: While no students are listed, her grants support projects like drug resistance monitoring and rare cell analysis. She holds three U.S. and two international patents for microfluidic technologies. Labs & Roles: The Hur Lab on Micro-Fluidic Biophysics develops clinical tools for cell mechanics analysis. Hur serves as an editor for Nature Scientific Reports , SLAS Technology , and Biomicrofluidics , and reviews for major journals and agencies like the NSF and NASA.
